New Guide Launched: The Chalk & The Cheese
Hampshire Fare has launched 'The Chalk & The Cheese' a new tourism guide to Hampshire's Loddon and Test valleys. This new guide provides inspiration for a ‘staycation’ by taking a different approach, inviting visitors to discover Hampshire through the region's food, drink and craft, which has helped shape its landscape and communities.
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, said: “With a focus on holidaying at home this year, the publication of our new tourism guide is very timely. The intention is to encourage people to visit the area and stay longer and discover the food and drink scene.
“We are very proud of this new guide; it is a nice chunky booklet. It was supposed to be an eight-page leaflet, but there was too much to include, so it just grew and grew! We see this guide as being hugely beneficial to the area as it showcases so much of the region’s finest produce, where to buy, and where to eat and stay for a truly memorable experience.”
The guide is supported by funding from the Loddon & Test LEADER Programme, which also included the provision of a liveried van and marketing collateral.
Robert Benford, Chairman of the Loddon & Test LEADER Local Action Group, commented: “This guide is the swansong of the Loddon & Test LEADER Programme, a European funding scheme with a community-led approach to supporting rural businesses. The Loddon & Test LEADER Programme was one of the most successful LEADER groups in the country and we’re very proud of that.”
David Gleave, Economic Development Officer, Test Valley Borough Council, added: “Loddon & Test LEADER funding has brought rural businesses in the region of £0.8 Million support over the past five to six years. It has been an innovative fund which has been administered in a way that has brought significant benefits to rural businesses.”
Mike Wright, Chairman, Hampshire Fare, concluded: “This new guide is another example of the results-driven projects Hampshire Fare undertakes to support its members and promote Hampshire as a destination.”
‘Discover Hampshire’s Test & Loddon Valleys; The Chalk & The Cheese’ will be widely available throughout the area including Romsey Visitor Information Centre, and digitally via link HERE.